War

“So long as there are men, there will be wars.” Unknown.

Weapon of War

War is an inherent part of human existence, its roots run deep in human nature and societal dynamics. Look closely at nature, at wildlife roaming freely in their natural environment, untarnished by human intrusion. Lions, baboons, wild dogs, elephants, boar, prairie dogs, hyenas, an endless list; they all claim territory and will fight within their own species to retain it. Stone age man would not be any different from the animals in the wild. It is no accident that our species of humankind is the last surviving hominin.

In our quest to hold or conquer territory we will fight at terrible cost to maintain the status quo or to change it. Examples abound all throughout the history of mankind, on all continents and islands of the sea. Wherever there is land, there would have been a battle of some kind if that land was habitable and desirable.

Russia invading Ukraine

Putin has said that all of Ukraine belongs to Russia. This is as much a war over territory as it is a war of the mind. The Ukraine wants to live under a democratically elected government not the old dictatorial structure of a king or fearful strongman. So, the war rages over territory, the price is the wasted lives of hundreds of thousands of young men. Putin ignores the price these young men pay on his behalf for the selfish pursuit of old glories.

The Middle East, Israel and Hamas

The geopolitical issues surrounding this conflict are deep and go back beyond biblical times to the very beginning of spiritual mankind, depending upon your point of view. I have no desire to go into any of the many issues that the countries of the Middle East have to face and somehow find everlasting peace – if that is at all possible.

Essentially the current 12-day war between Iran and Israel is at the heart a war over territory. Yes, there is religious dogma, there are values and customs, there is history to consider, but it is about, “this was once my home, I want it back.” Israel through the decrees of men after the second world war judged that a piece of the Middle East be set aside for the new (but old) nation of Israel. Hamas, with Iran’s support attacks Israel for political and ideological reasons, but the war is still about territory. The Palestinians need a home; the wisdom of Solomon is required to solve that territorial battle.

Summary

War stems from fundamental aspects of human behaviour. War is almost inevitable due to some dangerous human traits like greed, fear, and aggression. When territory is the underlying purpose of war, all the values, belief systems and philosophies go out the window in the desire to increase territory. World conflict is a real possibility when geopolitical issues are no longer settled through peaceful negotiations but with the threat of oblivion.  

War Is Not the Answer